©(Blaine Griffin via AP)
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is the most unusual or funny thing you have ever seen during an outdoor activity?
- If you could give something to people at the top of a mountain, what would it be? Why?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- hiker /HAI-kr/
[noun] – a person who walks long distances in the countryside or mountains for exercise or pleasure
The hikers followed a narrow trail through the forest to reach the lake. - treat /treet/
[noun] – a special food or drink that is enjoyed on a special occasion or as a reward
Children received sweet treats during the school festival. - mustache /MUHS-tash/
[noun] – hair that grows on the upper lip
The old photo showed a man with a thick mustache and a hat. - eccentric /ik-SEN-trik/
[adjective] – behaving in a way that is unusual, different, or not typical
The painter was known for his eccentric clothes and bright hats. - generosity /jen-uh-ROS-i-tee/
[noun] – the quality of being kind and willing to give or share with others
The villagers showed great generosity by sharing food with visitors.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
During the Labor Day weekend, hikers climbing Huron Peak in Colorado saw an unusual event. An unidentified man wearing an ice cream cone costume handed out frozen treats at the summit. The man carried a 60-pound (27-kilogram) pack filled with ice cream sandwiches, bars, and dry ice up the 14,000-foot (4,267-meter) peak, one of the highest in the state. News of his presence spread quickly among hikers, and those who reached the top described the moment as surprising and delightful. Blaine and Katie Griffin, along with families such as Christopher Whitestone’s, reported that the experience created lasting memories. Social media groups for Colorado “14ers” praised the climber, with many calling his act legendary and whimsical.
The achievement gained attention because of both its novelty and its difficulty. Carrying such weight in thin mountain air requires notable endurance. Photographs showed the man resting in a camping chair, wearing sunglasses with a fake mustache and holding a beer, which added to the eccentric display. Some hikers remarked that the gesture helped shift focus away from competition and reminded climbers about the importance of enjoyment. Ric Rosenkranz, who arrived after the ice cream was gone, stated that the moment itself was rewarding. Observers said the act promoted camaraderie among hikers and showed how unusual acts of generosity can build community spirit while also displaying the resilience needed in high-altitude climbing.
The achievement gained attention because of both its novelty and its difficulty. Carrying such weight in thin mountain air requires notable endurance. Photographs showed the man resting in a camping chair, wearing sunglasses with a fake mustache and holding a beer, which added to the eccentric display. Some hikers remarked that the gesture helped shift focus away from competition and reminded climbers about the importance of enjoyment. Ric Rosenkranz, who arrived after the ice cream was gone, stated that the moment itself was rewarding. Observers said the act promoted camaraderie among hikers and showed how unusual acts of generosity can build community spirit while also displaying the resilience needed in high-altitude climbing.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- When did the unusual event happen on Huron Peak?
- What costume was the man wearing at the summit?
- What did the man give to hikers at the top of the mountain?
- How heavy was the pack that the man carried?
- How did the hikers describe the scene at the top?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever joined a hike or a climb? If yes, what was the most exciting part of it? If not, what place would you like to climb or hike in the future?
- Have you ever eaten something special after doing hard exercise? If yes, what food or drink was it? If not, what food or drink would you want in that situation?
- Do you agree that the ice cream man made the climb more enjoyable for the hikers?
- How can small acts of kindness, like giving ice cream, change people’s feelings during a hard activity?
- What other creative ways can people bring joy or surprise to strangers during difficult activities?